I just got a Fender 2000 last week. It was shipped without strings on it, so I couldn't see how it was done to begin with.

The problem is, the strings that I've put on make contact with the pickup--they just lay right across it. I have taken the pickup out--it could possibly go lower, but probably not low enough.

I've taken the string mute and the whole back plate off to see if I could raise that part of it, but that doesn't seem practical.

Today I took it to Music City Instruments, which is near where I live. They suggested that there was a pickup cover missing which would serve as a bridge. They suggested I try Scotty's, and they told me that the pickup cover was just a cover.

Am I missing a bridge? A pickup cover? I am missing my sanity, because I didn't think simply putting strings on would be this difficult. There's probably one simple thing I'm missing, but I can't figure out what it is.

I know the Fender steels aren't made anymore and you kind of have to luck into parts and/or people who know about them, but has this happened to anyone? I would appreciate any assistance in alleviating this problem.

Sorry for the post length,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, this steel has 2 10-string necks, 10 pedals (2 added by previous owner?) and one knee lever. I've seen the 1000 manual--it just doesn't address what my problem seems to be. The strings that I've put on lay across the pickup, actually making contact with pickup. Of course that's not how it's supposed to be, but as I said, there seems to either a missing bridge (the 1000 manual mentions and displays its bridge) or missing knowledge on my part. Do you think anyone has a 2000 manual anywhere?

Thanks,

Bill

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Bill Ford

[This message was edited by Bill Ford on 12 October 2002 at 04:59 PM.]

Here's what I did as a temporary solution, though. I turned the string mutes over so that the cork part is touching the body, and now the strings lay across the smooth metal underside of the mutes. It acts as a bridge, sounds decent, and the strings no longer lay across the pickup. I'll probably use that until I can get a new pickup or retrofit a new bridge. Carl also suggested that Gene Fields might know what's going on.

[This message was edited by Clinton Kirby on 13 October 2002 at 09:38 AM.]

quote:

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Steel players do it without fretting

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http://www.waikiki-islanders.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

[This message was edited by basilh on 13 October 2002 at 12:32 PM.]

What's this about mutes? I've never heard of mutes on a steel guitar.

Clinton, I hope this helps...

[This message was edited by HowardR on 13 October 2002 at 05:07 PM.]

I knew you guys knew the score!! I've been reading this forum for a couple of years now, and someone always seems to know the answer! Howard and Baz--you guys rock!!

The pictures help immensely! OK, now that problem's solved. Now if I could just hook up the cables right

Thanks to everyone who replied--everyone was very helpful!

Howard, I guess I'll find out soon enough, but is the mute useful at all?

[This message was edited by Clinton Kirby on 13 October 2002 at 05:19 PM.]

I'm not much of a player, but I never use it when I do play. I kinda wonder if anybody else does. I also wonder if the purpose of the mute was to keep the strings from vibrating sympathetically.

[This message was edited by HowardR on 13 October 2002 at 05:28 PM.]

Despite all these changes, Fender's cable design was still outclassed in the mid '60's by the rod systems being used by Sho~Bud, Emmons, ZB, MSA, and Marlen. The only "edge" Fender had was ease of setup, and their name...neither of which made much difference. Their new (Gene Fields) steel design in '72, the PS-210, could have kept them in the steel business. But, as Jody has often said, the "suits" finally won out, and they got out of the steel (custom instrument) business.

It just seems strange that it took Fender a couple of decades to get back into the "custom-shop" business with special guitars amd amps, and then neglect to bring along their first "custom" instrument when they did.

He also used it to "shut me up"
Do you know the reason it was called the 2000
guitar? I do..read my book. Do you know why he named the other the 1000 guitar? buy two
books.

And more so,,,if Howard was around during that time,,he could have been Fender's "Under
Cover Agent". Good job Howard,,I always knew
you knew your stuff. Thanks for the "peek" at what makes the 1000 and 2000 unique.

Leo Fender was going to incorporate that idea
on the stringmasters early on,,It was Noel Boggs and myself who had the mute idea,,however few,if any thought very much of the idea,,I used it often,,,you can get some real cool effects with it.

Everthing LF designed had a purpose,,give it a try,,I think you will like it,,remember,,very slightly,and then adjust to your ear,,got it? lemme know how you like it.

You have a cool guitar there. Its built stronger than a "Sherman Tank" and weighs about the same as well ....

I will try out the mute. It seems like a cool idea. As soon as I get the cables hooked up and get the pedals working properly, I'll report back...